[jonKranked]

from bottling to kegging. currently run a 5 gallon setup. I have a mini fridge at home that I would want to convert to a keg-o-rator. Considering getting a basic keg kit from NorthernBrewer. some questions:

physically, how big is a 5 gallon keg? I want to make sure it will fit inside my mini fridge before I get any further? (no sense looking into it now if it won't fit).

i generally try to have 2 batches going at a time (none at the moment, last few months have been too hectic), what would I need to upgrade from a basic single keg kit to make it work for 2 kegs? how much larger of a CO2 tank would I need?

 

[TN]

Good thread here.

they make dual regulators for your co2 tank. they are pricey & there may be a cheaper way like a 1-2way manifold, maybe...but then both tanks will have to have the same psi.

i started drinking my first kegged batch this weekend. i love it already.

 

[jonKranked]

so you mean this:

http://www.northernbrewer.com/brewing/kegging/gas-hardware/gas-distributors/2-way-co2-distributor-w-1-4-barb-shutoff.html

vs this:

http://www.northernbrewer.com/brewing/kegging/gas-hardware/regulators/double-gas-regulator.html

The distributor does require both kegs run the same pressure (as opposed to the dual regulator - note, the dual regulator is cheaper than 2 individual regulators). Do different beer styles require pressure differences that drastic?

 

[I Are Baboon]

I'm in the same boat as jK. I recently traded a 12 pack of homebrew for a five gallon soda keg. Now I just need to buy all the other stuff.

 

[jonKranked]

I'm in the same boat as jK. I recently traded a 12 pack of homebrew for a five gallon soda keg. Now I just need to buy all the other stuff.

if you already have a keg....

http://www.northernbrewer.com/brewing/kegging/draft-systems/econo-fridge-conversion.html

http://www.northernbrewer.com/brewing/kegging/draft-systems/deluxe-fridge-conversion.html


edit: i'm considering getting one of these, and then a keg. Is it worth just getting a used keg through them, or is it too much of a crap shoot in terms of quality?

 

[TN]

so you mean this:

http://www.northernbrewer.com/brewing/kegging/gas-hardware/gas-distributors/2-way-co2-distributor-w-1-4-barb-shutoff.html

vs this:

http://www.northernbrewer.com/brewing/kegging/gas-hardware/regulators/double-gas-regulator.html

The distributor does require both kegs run the same pressure (as opposed to the dual regulator - note, the dual regulator is cheaper than 2 individual regulators). Do different beer styles require pressure differences that drastic?

If you want to geek out yes...certain beers require different pressures but I was thinking the issue would be when you want to force carb one keg (using around 30 psi over 3-4 days) while dispensing the other (around 5-7psi).

With all of that being said I have only recently begun educating myself on all things home-kegging.

I already had a sanke tap setup for 1/4 & half barrels of commercial beer so all I needed was the keg & the gas & liquid line setups. Found the corny keg on CL for $20 locally so that saved some $$$ for me too.

I am gonna talk my dad into getting the kit from NB....he is really intrigued with kegging homebrew.

 

[TN]

if you already have a keg....

http://www.northernbrewer.com/brewing/kegging/draft-systems/econo-fridge-conversion.html

http://www.northernbrewer.com/brewing/kegging/draft-systems/deluxe-fridge-conversion.html


edit: i'm considering getting one of these, and then a keg. Is it worth just getting a used keg through them, or is it too much of a crap shoot in terms of quality?

^those are both for sankey (commercial kegs).

I think the used kegs are a much better deal. who cares if it is beat up...it wi lbe in your fridge. You can replace the seals for $3.75 & all the parts (gas in, liquid out, poppet valves, etc..) can all be ordered for cheap on line. just my two cents.

 

[jonKranked]

gotcha. I'm fine with paying the $$ from NB, that isn't really the issue. just wanna make sure everything will fit before I invest time/money.

 

[jonKranked]

^those are both for sankey (commercial kegs).

I think the used kegs are a much better deal. who cares if it is beat up...it wi lbe in your fridge. You can replace the seals for $3.75 & all the parts (gas in, liquid out, poppet valves, etc..) can all be ordered for cheap on line. just my two cents.

are corny kegs not compatible with that?

 

[rockofullr]

mmmm..... kegs

 

[TN]

are corny kegs not compatible with that?

naw. corny kegs have two fittings, gas in & liquid out using either ball lock or pin lock connections (most I have seen are ball lock & I think they are preferred for some reason I cant remember)...sanke is one fitting...handling both air & beer.

If you have no keg components, I would get the kit.

Here is what connects to the keg...
http://www.northernbrewer.com/brewing/kegging/soda-kegs-fittings/foam-free-tubing-kit-bl-ball-lock-version.html

http://www.northernbrewer.com/brewing/kegging/soda-kegs-fittings/gas-connector-kit-bl-ball-lock-version.html

Wow....new kegs are $130. with that you could get a lot of barley & hops & an extra corny too....just sayin'.

 

[macko]

Don't waste your cash on a brand-new keg. That's just ridiculous.